Tenascin-C and integrin α9 mediate interactions of prostate cancer with the bone microenvironment

Deposition of the extracellular matrix protein tenascin-C is part of the reactive stroma response, which has a critical role in prostate cancer progression. Here, we report that tenascin C is expressed in the bone endosteum and is associated with formation of prostate bone metastases. Metastatic cells cultured on osteo-mimetic surfaces coated with tenascin C exhibited enhanced adhesion and colony formation as mediated by integrin a9b1. In addition, metastatic cells preferentially migrated and colonized tenascin-C–coated trabecular bone xenografts in a novel system that employed chorioallantoic membranes of fertilized chicken eggs as host. Overall, our studies deepen knowledge about reactive stroma responses in the bone endosteum that accompany prostate cancer metastasis to trabecular bone, with potential implications to therapeutically target this process in patients.